I need camcorder suggestions!

[dolfinjuls]

I have to say that I really like our JVC Everio. We have the hybrid that has a 30 GB hard drive plus a memory stick. I purchased ours at Best Buy around Christmas for under $300.

I second this! We just got ours in February and love it! I bought it on HSN when they were having a great deal.

 

[superminnie]

I keep watching HSN for that camera to go on sale again, but I keep missing it.

 

[aprilmommy0205]

I have to say that I really like our JVC Everio. We have the hybrid that has a 30 GB hard drive plus a memory stick. I purchased ours at Best Buy around Christmas for under $300.

I had a JVC and had a lot of problems with it. I think it was the model I had because online, I found a group of people trying to file a class action suit for similar issues.

I now have a Canon Elura (it's a few years old). It takes those mini tapes. It is small and fairly easy to use.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I'm going to move this over to the Photography Board. Maybe someone there can direct you to a suitable, older-model camcorder that you might be able to pick up on clearance or on sale. It's been my experience that buying one or two steps down from state-of-the-art is the best value for me. I get a good piece of equipment for the money and it's close enough to cutting-edge to meet my needs.

 

[CannonBoy]

For my wife's birthday, I bought her a Creative Labs Vado HD compact digital video camera. We recently purchased a DSLR camera that didn't shoot video and we were not pleased with the video of our old PS.

I am very pleased with it! Granted, I prefer digital videos rather than video tapes or even DVDs.

Other cameras that I considered included the Flip brand (Flip Ultra and Flip Mino).

Watch SlickDeals for special offers. I was able to get the Vado HD for $100 off and free shipping from Amazon, which softened the blow. If you don't require HD quality, I believe that the Flip Ultra can be had for less than $80.

 

[Spaceace5150]

Hi,

I am in the market for a camcorder, and have been getting a lot of info from the boards. The hardest part I am having about making the decision as to what format of camcorder to get.

I like the pros of a MiniDv. Better video quality than HDD or flash memory format, easy to edit, cheap media. But I am afraid I’m buying a “dying” format. I’m a little nervous when I go to Best Buy or another retailer and they only have one or two camcorders in that format. Is this something I should be worried about?

I’ve read some info that camcorders using flash memory or memory cards are harder to edit (due to the format the video is stored on) Does anyone have any experience with this? Also, is there a general rule of thumb as to how long a video can be shot on, say, a 8 GB memory card? I’d hate to be out somewhere and trying to film something to find my memory card is full. That’s one reason why I’m attracted to MiniDv – just pop in another tape. I guess I have the same fears about HDD. Should I be concerned with the difficulty of editing these formats, or the loss in quality?

Thanks in advance. I’m sure this has all been discussed (and I’ve been reading a lot of old posts), but still can’t make a decision!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've been considering getting a new camcorder also and am having difficulty also in deciding what media format would work best. At first I thought I really wanted the internal storage type but I can also see advantages with other types. I hope someone will have some input on this.

 

[Spaceace5150]

It's funny - the more I read the more questions I have.

Today I am worried that my computer isn't powerful enough to edit videos stored on hard drives or flash memory. Does anyone have any experience with that part?

thanks!

 

[budmonster]

I have to cast a vote for the internal Hard disk drive. I bought mine about a year and a half ago and I just love it. I can download it to my laptop, then put it on a disk, edit with a program, post it to the internet, and play it on my 50 inch plasma and it looks great. I took mine to Disney last year and had hours and hours on it and never ran out of room, or even came close. It have a 40 Gb hard drive and the option to put in a memory card also for extra room. I think every camera there is has some pro and cons you just need to figure out with is most important to you. For me with this camera it doesn't take but three still pictures while it running, but I ok with that because that is what I have my 50d for. Good Luck

 

[foodlover_US]

It depends on usage... if you want to edit your vid on your PC, hard disk camcorders are not that convenient, because they use MPEG compression which is difficult to edit. miniDV camcorders are better than hard drive camcorders because they use lower compression. If you plan on doing a lot of video editing and quality is important for you, the best choice is still miniDV. But if you are looking for more storage space then Hard drive camcorders could be a better choice.

 

[fwm]

It depends on usage... if you want to edit your vid on your PC, hard disk camcorders are not that convenient, because they use MPEG compression which is difficult to edit. miniDV camcorders are better than hard drive camcorders because they use lower compression. If you plan on doing a lot of video editing and quality is important for you, the best choice is still miniDV. But if you are looking for more storage space then Hard drive camcorders could be a better choice.

I am also contemplating which format is best and have a follow up to your answer. If you are not interested in editing, but want to transfer the video to DVD how easy is that with a HDD. I currently have miniDV and copy to DVD with Roxio Easy Media Creator. It works alright but the quality is not always great.

 

[blackjackdelta]

If you have not been there already, go to www.camcorderinfo.com and read some of the thoughts on camcorder storage, file types, etc. Most camcorders come with software to burn to DVD with no problem. Many camcorders allow you to edit within the camera, but, if you are dealing with the new compression files it gets harder to do. MiniDV is on its way out, so I would future think what you may be buying and see if you van live with your choice for a while.

Jack

 

[manning]

I'm looking at the waterproof VPC CA9. It is HD with 9MP still picture capable.

http://sanyo.com/xacti/english/products/vpc_ca9/index.html

 

[jaqclenz]

We are going to Disney at the end of May and I would like a camcorder that also takes pictures. I don't want to worry about trying to juggle the camcorder and digital camera. I'm looking at spending around the $400 range.

What would everyone suggest?

 

[KatyMac]

Hey, gang! I need the opinion of the all-knowing photog board. I am trying to decide on which camcorder to purchase, and just can't make a decision. Can anyone offer any opinions on the 2 models listed below? TIA

Canon - VIXIA 8.0MP High-Definition Digital Camcorder HF S

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218065984222

Sony - 12.1MP Handycam High-Definition Camcorder w/120GB Hard Drive and 3.2" LCD Screen HDR-XR500V

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218046368353

 

[PoohJen]

Hi Everyone! Looking for a little camcorder insight/opinions (and yes, I will thoroughly review the camcorder sticky!)

Anyone have this camera, or any thoughts on pros/cons:

http://www.dailysteals.com/?ad=woot

I still have an 8mm (I think?? you know, those little cassettes) camcorder. Something w/ a memory card would be easier all the way around. But...do I go cheap and easy...or upgrade...or ???? Too many choices. I think cheap and easy would be good for the kids to use, so long as there is decent quality.

But...does it matter if it's not "HD"? Would most people miss that?


Here's what looks like a similar version on amazon:
Samsung SC-MX20 Flash Memory Camcorder w/34x Optical Zoom

Product Description
The MX20 makes it easy to capture everything you want to remember and some you might want to forget. It features an optimized recording mode for YouTube, a schneider lens with 34x optical zoom, image stabilization and face detection. You can also record up to 16 hours using a 32 GB memory card. The SAMSUNG SC-MX20 also features the longest battery life in its class, lasting up to three hours. 680K/800K pixel CCD 34x optical zoom 2.7 LCD viewfinder Schneider Lens H.264 (720x480i) for longer recording - 6 hours recording in 8GB (optional) SDHC/MMC+ slot Advanced image stabilizer USB 2.0 Easy YouTube uploading 24 language GUI Jack - USB, A/V out Dimension - 4.9 x 2.6 x 2.4 Weight - 0.6 lbs.

TIA!

 

[mikewdw]

looking for best camcorder i can get for under $400. dont know much about them. i dont upload anything to you tube. we just use it for home videos (and Disney trips of course!) and need a new one. want one with hard drive as our old one with a mini dvd messes up about 1/3 of all our disk. (i am afraid i have lost some really good stuff, birthdays, Disney, holidays). any recommendations or places to get info on them appreciated.
thanks,
mikewdw

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Photography board.

 

[mikewdw]

help, please!

 

[Frantasmic]

I'd review the JVC Everio and the Sony at www.camcorderinfo.com and also www.cnet.com

If I were buying today, I'd lean toward the JVC for the hard disk.

However, I'm holding out until the high def camcorders get a little less expensive.